The FTSE 100 opened lower as it again struggled to match the record-breaking performances seen on other markets last week.
Wall Street, Frankfurt and Paris have all hit new records while in Tokyo overnight, the Nikkei was closing in on the landmark 40,000 level for the first as its rally continued.
London’s blue-chip index was down 6 at 7,699 in early trades with Bunzl leading the falls. It dropped more than 5% on a downbeat outlook statement with the distribution and consumables giant’s annual results.
Property group Hammerson has sold the Union Square shopping centre in Aberdeen for £111 million as its spate of disposals continues.
Ryanair meanwhile warned that delays to its expected Boeing deliveries might mean price hikes and flight cancellations.
Over the weekend, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway produced record profits but the legendary investor suggested the days of bumper returns from his financial vehicle might be passed.